Abdulbaset Al Janahi – Dubai SME

One of Dubai SME’s latest initiatives is the Hamdan Innovation Incubator (HI2). This initiative helps entrepreneurs launch their startups by providing various services. These services include an incubator, mentorship, advice, funding, and many more. Their launch event took place in Dubai, and we had the honor of interviewing His Excellency Abdulbaset Al Janahi, CEO of Dubai SME.

Why did you start this initiative and who are you targeting?

We are targeting entrepreneurs, innovators, and the younger generation. We believe they have a lot of ideas that can be implemented. A lot of them are hesitant and scared, that’s why our slogan is taken from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum: “The biggest risk is taking no risk”. We want them to take risks. We them to try it out. We want to open doors for them. That’s why we’re launching the HI2; to attract the young generation from schools and universities and all individuals who have ideas and make it easy for them to launch it.

Do you see potential in the younger generation to start SME’s? How will you help them?

Absolutely. The region is booming. The new generation has a lot of ideas and I think we can attract them. We will take them through the right path to make their ideas happen. As long as the person can come and convince us that his/her idea is something different, that it’s solving a problem, we’re willing to listen to him.

What advice do you have for those interested to start their own company, especially the younger generation?

They just need to start it, simple as that. The biggest obstacle for people is themselves. You need to get over that and do it. 99% of people have ideas but they need to push themselves first. Just go ahead and do it.

Who can join this initiative?

Anyone can come with his plans and ideas. Convince the incubator that this is something interesting and we will support it. You can find us online, ask for an appointment, or simply walk in and meet us.